Gov’t Examines Separation of Fire Department and Police Force

The government is currently evaluating the logistics and costs associated with the proposed separation of the Fire Department from the Royal Police Force.

This decision follows extensive advocacy efforts by members of the Fire Department who have long argued for the separation.

They believe that dedicated training for firefighters and a focus on fire-related duties would improve response times and overall effectiveness.

Despite last year’s appointment of a seven-member select committee to review the Fire and Rescue Bill, there has been no progress on the Bill nearly 10 months later.

As it stands, Antigua and Barbuda remains one of the few Caricom nations where the fire department operates under the police force’s auspices.

Ambassador Lionel Hurst, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, acknowledged the challenges posed by this potential separation.

He cited the need for increased expenditure to establish a separate fire department with its own administrative structure and workforce.

Additionally, he expressed concerns about the potential impact of such a transition on individuals and emphasized that the process must be approached carefully and thoughtfully.

In an effort to gather diverse perspectives, the Attorney General agreed to convene a committee comprising members of the fire department, key stakeholders, and the public to contribute their insights on the proposed separation.

This committee includes a range of parliament members, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing this matter.